Fort Myers Beach, located outside of Fort Myers, FL, is a wonderful place to vacation without needing a car. This Gulf (of Mexico) beach, on Estero Island, is easy to reach by Trolley. The Trolley, serving all of Fort Myers Beach, operates every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. (For complete schedules, visit www.rideleetran.com and click on Trolley on the left side.)

Getting There Without Driving

Many major airlines serve Southwest Florida International Airport, in Fort Myers. From the airport, take Leetran’s Bus Route 50 to Summerlin Square and transfer to the Trolley serving Fort Myers Beach. (Route 50 operates 7 days a week: Monday-Saturday from 6:10 a.m. to 9:50 p.m., and Sunday from 8:05 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

What is special about Fort Myers Beach?

Joann Haley, Marketing Manager for LeeTran (the public transit system in Lee County, Florida) describes Fort Myers Beach this way:

“This tropical island getaway has an atmosphere that’s a little quieter, a little less hurried, and a lot less like the rest of the world. There are many miles of white sandy beaches. Boating, fishing, and Lovers Key State Park plus a large number of family-friendly resorts, quaint cottages, seafood restaurants, and an annual Shrimp Festival make this a good vacation choice.”

All seven miles of beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, plus Lovers Key State Park at the southern tip of the island, are served by the trolley system. You can also take the trolley to fishing charters from local marinas, canoe and kayak rentals, and boat tours.

All amenities here are located along the main road, Estero Boulevard, and are served by the trolley. Many shops and restaurants are within an easy walk from the beach and beach resorts and hotels. Bike rentals are plentiful and affordable, and the climate is very conducive to walking and bicycling.

All large shopping centers, hospitals, and many tourist attractions (but not all) are served by the trolley and the connecting LeeTran bus system. The two parks on Fort Myers Beach: Lovers Key State Park and Bowditch Park, are easy to reach on the trolley.

Joann Haley, LeeTran’s Marketing Manager, recommends using transit to visit the following attractions on Fort Myers Beach:

Lovers Key State Park: This pristine barrier island park offers hiking or biking along its trails, shelling, kayaking and wildlife viewing. The park offers bathhouses, concessions, shaded picnic areas, and ranger-guided tours.

The Mound House: the oldest surviving home (1906-1921) on Fort Myers Beach.

Here are some other attractions, outside of Fort Myers Beach, that are served by LeeTran:

Southwest Florida Museum of Art: Located in downtown Fort Myers, requires two transfers. Take the Trolley to Summerlin Square, transfer to Route 50 to Bell Tower Mall, then transfer to route 140 bus which travels north and south along US 41. (The 140 route also serves these shopping malls: Bell Tower (which also has a 16-screen movie theatre), Edison Mall, and Coconut Point Mall.)

Everglades Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs: Take the Trolley South to its terminal at US 41 and Bonita Beach Road. Then transfer to the Route 150 bus.

Two other attractions in Fort Myers require 3 transfers:

Shell Factory and Nature Park; and the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium.

If you are vacationing here, you will probably want to relax on the beach and enjoy the variety of facilities on Fort Myers Beach that are served by the trolley. A day pass (available on the trolley) for the trolley and LeeTran buses is $2.50. A seven-day pass is $12.50. You can take the trolley to the Fort Myers Beach Library. By connecting to bus route 130, you can reach the South Lee County Regional Library.

For trolley and bus schedules and fares, visit: www.rideleetran.com, or call LeeTran Customer Service: (239) 533-8726: Extension 1.

For information about local attractions and places to stay, contact the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau at: (239)-338-3500; or 800-237-6444 (toll-free U.S./Canada). Or visit their website: www.FortMyersSanibel.com.

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Do you have a favorite vacation spot that is easy to enjoy without a car?

E-mail me at steve@carfreeamerica.org. We may be able to spotlight it in a future Car Free Journey column. And check out other car-free options on our website: www.carfreeamerica.org.

Read Steve’s previous columns at www.pubtrantravel.com.